The arrival in Romania of the first funds under the SAFE programme could have effects that go far beyond the defence sector. From an economic perspective, this financing could support investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, energy and regional development, while also creating new opportunities for the industrial and real estate markets.
At the end of August, Romania received approximately €2.5 billion in pre-financing under the SAFE – Security Action for Europe programme. The amount represents 15% of Romania’s total allocation and marks the beginning of a new investment cycle with the potential to stimulate several sectors of the economy.
Beyond the programme’s strategic purpose, these investments could have an important multiplier effect. The construction and modernisation of infrastructure, the development of new production capacities and the emergence of local supplier chains could generate contracts for companies operating in construction, industry, logistics, energy, technology and services.
Eastern Romania attracts more investment
One of the most important economic effects is the financing of dual-use infrastructure, which can serve both strategic purposes and the needs of the population and businesses.
In Romania, part of the SAFE funding is directed towards major road infrastructure projects in the eastern part of the country, including sections of the A7 and A8 motorways, such as Pașcani–Siret and Târgu Neamț–Iași–Ungheni.
The impact of these investments is significant for the regional economy. Better road infrastructure reduces transport times and costs, facilitates the movement of goods and makes areas that previously had limited access to the main logistics corridors more attractive for investment.
For companies, fast access to motorways can become a decisive factor when choosing a location for a factory, warehouse or distribution centre. At the same time, improved connectivity could increase the attractiveness of industrial land and encourage the development of new logistics and manufacturing parks.
One of the most important long-term effects could be the increased economic attractiveness of eastern and north-eastern Romania.
Until now, a large share of logistics and industrial investment has been concentrated in Bucharest and in the western and central parts of the country, particularly due to better infrastructure and access to Central and Western European markets. The completion of the A7 and A8 motorways could reduce this gap.
Cities such as Iași, Suceava, Bacău and Piatra Neamț, as well as areas located along the new transport corridors, could become more attractive for manufacturing, logistics and distribution.
In the medium term, this could lead to the emergence of new industrial hubs, the development of logistics parks and an increase in the value of well-positioned land close to major infrastructure.
Additional demand for industrial land and space
The development of these projects could also generate a new source of demand in the industrial real estate market.
As investments progress, demand could increase for land for manufacturing, industrial units, assembly centres, storage facilities, laboratories, maintenance units and logistics centres.
Large companies will not be the only ones requiring such spaces. Suppliers and subcontractors entering the new industrial supply chains may also need smaller industrial units or land on which to develop their own facilities.
For this reason, the impact on the real estate market could be broader than the development of only a few large-scale projects.
Which types of land could benefit the most
Investor interest could focus particularly on industrial land with strong connections to transport infrastructure.
Sites located close to motorways, railways, airports and ports, as well as those with sufficient access to electricity and utilities, are likely to have the greatest advantages.
For large industrial projects, expansion potential is also important. Large, compact plots with appropriate zoning regulations could become more attractive in a context where companies are looking for locations for long-term investment.
At the same time, access to the workforce and proximity to university centres could represent important advantages, particularly for projects involving advanced manufacturing, electronics, engineering or research.
